Parents, Schools Must Spot Early Signs of Drug Abuse Before It’s Too Late, Psychologist Urges

As the world approaches the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Dr. Omotayo Ajirotutu, a Consultant Clinical Psychologist, is urging parents, schools, and communities to recognize the early warning signs of substance abuse among young people. He advocates for proactive prevention and timely intervention, emphasizing that addiction often receives attention only when it has severely impacted an individual's life.

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One of the biggest challenges in addressing substance abuse is that society tends to focus on visible crises rather than early warning signs.

Dr. Ajirotutu explained that society frequently overlooks the subtle behavioral, emotional, and social changes that precede addiction. These early indicators, often dismissed as normal adolescent development, include increased secrecy, unexplained mood swings, declining academic performance, withdrawal from family activities, and changes in friendship groups. Reduced motivation and loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities are also significant signs.

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In clinical practice, substance abuse rarely begins suddenly. It is usually preceded by subtle behavioural, emotional, and social changes that are often dismissed as normal adolescent development.

He further noted that physical and verbal aggression, drastic weight loss, poor hygiene, bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and neglect of responsibilities can emerge. Dr. Ajirotutu stressed that these changes are sometimes wrongly attributed solely to adolescence or stress, leading to missed opportunities for early intervention. He views substance abuse as a public health issue requiring a shift from reactive crisis management to proactive prevention programs, asserting that the most effective interventions occur before dependency and significant damage set in.

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Parents and teachers sometimes attribute these changes solely to adolescence, stress, or personality differences without exploring underlying causes.